History, science, biography. These are a few of our Nerd Favorite Things. If there’s someone on your list who has always got her head in a book, rejoice! Here are a few good gift ideas.
If we are being completely honest, let’s just admit that we all want to be Nora Ephron, just as we all wanted that beach house in “Something’s Gotta Give.” I REMEMBER NOTHING is, of course, not true, but everyone over a certain age identifies with the sentiment. This is a surefire present for any hip, modern woman. And the fact that Ephron willingly admits, in print, that she’s 69 years old makes her a heroine in my book.
If you think science has to be boring, read Sam Kean’s THE DISAPPEARING SPOON, and think again. Would you believe me if I told you that one of the most exciting books this year runs through the periodic table and finds a fascinating tale about each element? Don’t take my word for it, but do consider reading this with that bright teenager who lives in your house. If he or she is ever actually at home.
Sadly, much of the renewed interest in THE POLITICIAN, by John Edwards’s aide Andrew Young, is because of the recent death of Elizabeth Edwards. Now in paperback, Young recounts his version of the events that led up to the onetime presidential wannabe’s fall from grace.
THE WAR FOR LATE NIGHT bills itself as “when Leno went early and television went crazy.” Once again, media reporter Bill Carter gives us the inside scoop on what goes into making a hit show for the network. He ably chronicles the behind the scenes drama, and provokes the inevitable question we’ve all been asking ourselves, “Hey, would I go quietly if someone offered me $45 million to leave my job?”
There are several excellent history books on the shelves this season. THE TIN TICKET, by Deborah J. Swiss, relates the hardship and determination of Australia’s convict women. Most of these unfortunates were deported for petty crimes; one stole a bucket of milk, another swiped some spoons. How they raised themselves up from virtual slavery to become the founding mothers of a great nation is an inspirational saga.
Another little told tale involves the Americans who sided with the English during the American Revolution. Thomas B. Allen calls TORIES a recounting of our country’s first civil war. 80,000 loyal subjects of the Crown left their native land, most finding a new home in Canada.
We know very little about KATHERINE THE QUEEN, Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Paar. Her tumultuous life is Linda Porter’s subject in this well researched biography. As the wife who “survived,” according to the old poem, she has been of less interest than her predecessors who lost their heads, but her tenure as monarch was every bit as dramatic.
Authors are very often unique people who tend to lead interesting lives. WRITERS GONE WILD, by Bill Peschel, takes this contention to the extreme. This paperback features stories about Dashiell Hammett, Virginia Woolfe, and Ernest Hemingway, not always on their best behavior.
No such adventures in BEST MUSIC WRITING 2010. This paperback just features solid commentary about the music scene, penned by some of the best journalists in the field. Ann Powers does a solid job with the editing.
The lofty HOW TO LIVE, by Sarah Bakewell, is based on the question asked by the great essayist, Montaigne. This is a scholarly biography, which will certainly appeal to the more serious readers on your list.
And if you really seek to improve your mind, pick up SMARTER BY SUNDAY, a compilation of essential knowledge from the New York Times. Medicine, politics (both domestic and foreign), art, you name it, it’s all here.
Incidentally, that clock you hear ticking is counting down the hours until Christmas, so buy books, shop now!
All featured books are available on Amazon. To purchase click on the title in red.
Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. Michall is a voting member of National Book Critics Circle. www.michalljeffers.com
